James Collinson was 17 when he died in March 2002

Yvonne Collinson's comments came after the publication of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee report into the treatment of young soldiers.

Her son James, from Perth, joined the Army at 16 and died six months later at Deepcut from gunshot wounds.

Mrs Collinson has rejected the official view that he took his own life.

On Monday, a report by the Commons Defence Select Committee said the Army had failed in the way it handled new recruits and allowed bullying to go unreported.

The MPs added that it had failed in the past to "grasp the nettle" in its duty of care.

'Bow to demands'

They recommended a new independent complaints panel and suggested looking at raising the minimum age for joining up to 18, but did not call for a public inquiry.

The committee's investigation was sparked by four deaths at Deepcut barracks in Surrey, including that of James Collinson, 17.

Mrs Collinson and her husband Jim have said they will continue their demands for a public inquiry.

"We continue to call for a public inquiry," said Mrs Collinson.

She added: "Obviously, today's report is very welcome. However, we await several other reports from other bodies.

"We hope that if they are as negative as this one, the government will have to bow to our demands for a public inquiry."

Jim and Yvonne Collinson continue to call for a public inquiry

Mrs Collinson gave her backing to proposals for an independent military complaints commission.

"I think it's an excellent idea," she said. "I would like to see it put into practice."

On a possible increase in the minimum age for recruits, Mrs Collinson said she agreed.

"Our son was only 16 when he joined the Army. To give these kids an extra couple of years to make sure it's what they really want and to make them a little bit stronger and more worldly wise is not a bad thing.

"For a lot of these kids at 16 years old it's the first time they've ever been away from home and the initial training is for 12 weeks.

The British Army must immediately stop recruiting in schools, colleges and training centres Rosie Kane Socialist MSP

"In that 12 weeks they are not allowed to return home, there's no weekend leave," said Mrs Collinson.

Nationalist MP Annabelle Ewing backed Mrs Collinson's inquiry call.

The MP for Perth welcomed the report but added: "The sad fact is that after some three years, the Collinson family are no closer to finding out how their son James died.

"Only an independent public inquiry offers the Collinsons and other families the best way at getting to the truth. Surely they deserve at least that."

Socialist MSP Rosie Kane said there must be an immediate cessation of the recruitment of 16 and 17-year-olds.

She said: "The British Army must immediately stop recruiting in schools, colleges and training centres.